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 FEATURE FACTfile - Maserati Coupe/Spyder Although the new Coupe and Spyder models have been on the market for a while now, this is the first time ItalianCar has been given the full specifications on the models (along with the current Quattroporte model). So here - straight from the horse's mouth (no jokes intended) is the Coupe/Spyder FACTfile, courtesy of Maserati's new distributors in Australia/New Zealand, Ateco Automotive.
The Maserati story is one of consistent sporting pedigree. The Trident's use of performance-oriented technology began with its first car, the Tipo 26, a stunningly successful racer. Creative engineering, both in its racing and road-going cars, has been part of the Marque since it opened its doors 90 years ago. The results have helped systematically sweep aside Maserati's competitors. Two shinning examples of this creative engineering are the Transaxle system used during the 1957 World Championship which made Fangio's car almost unbeatable, and the incredibly light, compact yet muscular dry sump engine with cylinder heads equipped with long inlet tracts that gives the Trident's current models such exceptional power and torque. But Maserati's consistency has also extended to its cars' unique yet understated styling, the luxurious comfort of sophisticated, quality materials, and the discreet colors chosen for cars that can be used every day, cars that are as well loved my women as men. Last but not least, Maserati has always boasted great consistency in its models. Its four-door cars have all been known as Quattroporte, positive proof that exceptional cars can even make the most everyday names their own. Then there are the two-door cars: the coupe models, which have often been four-seaters, and of course, the Spyder models. Eight different variants of these have been designed in the marque's history. Each one of those eight made its mark on their own particular era, thanks to its huge originality and personality. There are three Maserati two-door models in the current range which, offer clients an excellent choice. The Spyder and the Coupe are both available in Cambiocorsa or manual six-speed gearbox GT versions, while the more extreme GranSport (see separate ItalianCar FACTfile) comes only with the Cambiocorsa. The technical and aesthetic solutions that characterize the GranSport have also inspired a wide range of innovations in the Coupe and Spyder models. Here we unveil the current range of Maserati two-doors: flawlessly engineered, authentic high performance thoroughbred sports cars that turn choice into a passion rather than a chore.
TECHNOLOGICAL EXCELLENCE: MASERATI'S COMMON DENOMINTATOR There is no doubt whatsoever that what makes these wonderful cars so exceptional is their technical content. The light, compact V8 engine, transaxle architecture, Cambiocorsa gearbox, Skyhook suspension system, MSP, and traction control and braking by CAN (Controlled Area Network) line are the main features of Trident models inspired by the very best Italian tradition. ENGINE A mighty 390 hp (287 kW) at 7000 rpm and spirited 452 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm mean that the Coupe and Spyder deliver breathtaking performance, power and flexibility. The result is an exhilarating drive and an engine that passes all known present and future anti-pollution standards. Generous torque at all speeds ensures maximum driving pleasure in everyday use and incredibly gratifying responsiveness in sportier situations. But it is in the GranSport that the Maserati V8 truly fulfils its potential, effortlessly punching out a massive 400 hp (295kW) to deliver absolutely blistering acceleration and driving at its most thrilling. This beautifully engineered power unit produces stunning performance. The Maserati Coupe will accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds (Spyder 5.0 seconds) and continue until it reaches its maximum speed of 177 mph (285 km/h) where permitted 175 mph (Spyder 283 km/h). Both cars will sprint 1000 meters from standstill in under 24 seconds. TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX
As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, the Coupe and Spyder are also available with F1-style Cambiocorsa gearbox with hydraulic operation and electronic management operated by F1-style paddles behind the steering wheel, so that no clutch pedal is needed. The system allows the driver to choose between four different operating modes: Normal, Sport, Auto and Low Grip. Each of these programmes is selected by means of console-mounted buttons, corresponding to different types of operating mode. MANUAL- with two levels of sportiness, linked to different electronic stability control (Maserati Stability Programme) and Skyhook settings, if installed. These are designed to give either maximum vehicle control in the more comfortable Normal setting or greater driving pleasure, once again in complete safety, in the Sport setting. AUTOMATIC- with fully automated, fluid and progressive gear changes. The driver is still able to choose between Normal and Sport mode to rapidly revert to manual, thanks to the F1-styled paddles. ICE- for low grip surfaces, guarantees smooth starting gear changes on snow and ice. In short, the Cambiocorsa combines authentic GT driving pleasure with the slick gear changing of an electro-actuated gearbox which makes better use of the powerful engine and guarantees maximum safety in handling such enormous power.
To further enhance dynamic characteristics, Maserati and Mannesmann-Sachs developed the optional Skyhook adaptive damping system, one of the most advanced of its kind. This system, via a set of sensors, continually monitors movement of the wheels and car body, and transmits this information to a central unit. By analyzing this data, the control unit determines the road and vehicle running conditions and instantaneously adjusts each damper accordingly. The Skyhook radically improves ride quality in that it perfectly and "actively" controls the damping rate and hence the vehicle response in all conditions, producing maximum effectiveness in true comfort. And it does so up to 10 times faster than other systems available on the market.
In addition to this automatic adjustment, the driver can also choose different operating modes at any time: Normal and Sport. The former ensures that every bump on the road is beautifully absorbed and maximum comfort is maintained at all times, while the latter is more performance-oriented. In both cases, a flatter set-up, more direct, precise steering and new tyres with improved lateral grip make driving even more accurate and fun. SAFETY The Coupe and Spyder employ a Brembo braking system with light alloy four-piston calipers all round and cross-drilled large ventilating discs (front 33mm x 32, rear 310mm x 28) to guarantee immediate deceleration and shorter braking distances. The two-stage servo brake is calibrated to retain high sensitivity, even with a very rapid reaction time, and is assisted by the four-channel Bosch 5.7 ABS anti-lock braking system, the EBD electronic braking corrector, and the MSR system, which controls the engine to prevent locking of the rear wheels when drivers change-down to exploit engine braking. Maserati Stability Programme integrates the ABS, ASR and EBD functions by acting on the brakes and engine to help the driver control the vehicle even in the most extreme conditions. The system accomplishes this using a set of sensors to detect any deviations from the ideal dynamic behavior of the car. These sensors track everything from wheel position to the steering angle and toe-in. When necessary, the system acts on the brakes and engine to guarantee that the driver always remains fully in control of the car. Moreover, if the Skyhook or Cambiocorsa are present, the MSP offers two modes of intervention, one is normal (more control and safety oriented) and the other (which the driver selects) is more performance-geared and once again leaves more room for fun driving by intervening to a lesser extent on stability control. Finally, expert drivers and sport purists will be happy to know that they can completely exclude electronic stability control altogether at the touch of a button on the central console, whilst still leaving the ABS active. The kind of meticulous attention that has been devoted to active safety has also been lavished on important passive safety features too. Starting with the steel monocoque construction with supplementary integrated tubular structure in front section, every element was developed to exceed even the most severe passive safety standards and the most recent collision regulations. Moreover, in the case o the Maserati Spyder, there are also two fixed roll bars to guarantee better occupant protection. The standard safety equipment offered by the Coupe, Spyder and GranSport is completed by four front and side airbags, front seatbelts with electronically controlled pretensioners and a safety inertia switch which cuts off fuel supply in the event of an impact or violent stop.
Maserati made its debut on the world stage as a limited series road car builder with its first Coupe, the A6, at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1947, just the second post-war show after Paris. The company was already famous the world over for its racing success, including two consecutive victories in the Indianapolis 500, when it unveiled the Pininfarina-bodied 1500 cubic centimeter, in-line six-cylinder engined car. Although the Modenese constructor would continue to concentrate its talent son the track for another decade, culminating in Fangio's Formula 1 World title, its awareness of market demands was already clear and that alone signaled the path it would in the future. In fact, the Coupe was to be the first a series of Maserati on-road GTs that oozed a unique, exclusive appeal born from the marriage of advanced, sophisticated engineering and unique, refined styling.
However, the big change did not come until 1957 when, just after Juan Manuel Fangio won the World Championship in the Extraordinary 250F, The Trident marque announced it was quitting the track to concentrate on its road-going GTs. The 3500 GT was launched the same year. This was the road car whose engine and chassis were derived from the equally renowned 300S, the star of the World Sport Championship. This unique feat of engineering marked the start of a whole new era in styling, quality and comfort.
The Maserati Coupe now brims with clever new styling features which add an extra touch of sportiness to its beautifully sculpted forms. These new features include a more prominent grille, rear air vents and an aerodynamic running lip along the sides. The seven-spoke wheels are now offered as standard equipment too.
The Coupe's Maserati GT heritage is evident in a host of details with styling cues ranging from the shape of its nose to the big front grille, the historic oval shield, the "lightning" logo on the C-post, raised details on the seats, and classic oval clock on the facia. INTERIORS A body-hugging driver's seat makes it virtually impossible to resist slipping behind the wheel, while sumptuous leather upholstery cocoons passengers in a cabin that combines classic and high tech features to perfection. The traditional analogue instrumentation facing the driver is now white on navy blue background. Its controls are intuitive and immediately clear. But the Coupe also boasts the Maserati Info Centre, equipped with an optimized 5.8 inch color display, at the centre of the facia. This integrated unit controls the sound system with single CD player as standard, the on board computer, and the climate control system. On request, the Info Centre can also include GPS satellite navigation system, a GSM telephone module and CD changer. Passengers have plenty of room at their disposal too and a comprehensive array of accessories means that on board comfort is excellent. The Coupe's specially designed front seats are equipped with all-electric adjustments, while the thought devoted to the needs of the rear passengers by the Trident designers is obvious from the addition of "Easy-Entry" system, a central arm rest and convenient air vents. An overall sense of roominess, the inclusion of differently-sized storage pockets and a spacious 315-litre boot, large enough to take two golf bags or the made-to-measure luggage set (both available on request) make the Coupe the perfect GT for longer trips too.
Seven different models of Spyder, as Maserati's convertibles have always been called, have been created at Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena in the course of the company's 75 year history. And this is without including the two unique models built before the Second World War, first as racers and then later transformed into road cars. Maserati has now unveiled its eighth Spyder, a model that continues the marque's guiding concept of combining cutting-edge engineering with sumptuous onboard comfort and a discreet. This Spyder is available in both GT and Cambiocorsa versions. Needless to say, it is as thrilling to drive with the automatic roof up or down. MASERATI SPYDER GT AND SPYDER CAMBIOCORSA STYLING The Maserati Spyder's design is now more individual and fascinating than ever: the newly designed front bumpers and grille enhance the aggression of the bonnet while the rear bumpers are even more muscular and dynamic, thanks in part to the large side air vents covered in the classic fine mesh grille in black. The overall sporty effect is further enhanced by the 18" seven-spoke wheels that come as standard equipment. INTERIORS But the Spyder also boasts the Maserati Info Centre, equipped with an optimized 5.8 inch color display, at the centre of the facia. This integrated unit controls the sound system with single CD player as standard, the on board computer, and the climate control system. On request, the Info Centre can also include GPS satellite navigation system, a GSM telephone module and CD changer.
Roof operation is fully automatic too, with seamlessly smooth electro-hydraulic activation controlled by a button on the central tunnel. The soft top's three-layer covering and reinforced structure perfectly insulate the driver and passenger compartment from the outside world, while the aerodynamic exterior design offers improved soundproofing at higher speeds and the heated glass rear window ensures optimal visibility in all driving conditions. Its roominess, comprehensive array of accessories and a spacious 315-Litre boot, large enough to take two golf bags or the made-to-measure luggage set (both available on request) make the Spyder the perfect car in which to experience the pleasure of exclusive drop-top driving on the long distances.
COUPE AND SPYDER In terms of exteriors, there are 16 paintwork options and four different hood colors for the Spyder, while the wheels come in three different finishes and brake calipers come in five colors (black, silver, red, titanium and yellow). There is a choice of 10 leathers for the upholstery (seats, dash, door panels, roof lining and piping for the Coupe, plus the roll-bar for the Spyder) and these can all be combined freely. In addition, there are 13 stitching colors, five for the mats and three for interior detail finishes (Grey, Aluminum and dark Bordeaux). The new Dual Color option (seats and lower dashboard in two colors) brings an almost infinite number of possible combinations into play too. An array that will satisfy even the most demanding client. The "Officine Alfieri Maserati" personalization programme really does mean that ach new owner will be able to order a completely unique Maserati. A vast catalogue of travel and sporting dynamics accessories also allows clients to add extra flourishes designed to enhance their cars' on board comfort and luxury (heated seats, cruise control), communications (GPS satellite, navigation system, GSM cell phone), safety (Xenon headlights) and driving pleasure (Skyhook suspension, alloy wheels). In addition to all of this, however, the flexibility built in to such an artisan production process means that you will be able to have even your most specific request met. Apart from all the options developed by the Trident itself, the personalization programme can also satisfy ad hoc requests from individual clients on condition that such requests meet certain technical, quality and type approval criteria. In short, when you purchase a Maserati, you will find a true couture service at your disposal. One final flourish of exclusivity is that owners can now also include their own name or persona; symbol or the logo of their company on the sill plate.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS-COUPE Two-door Coupe body, four seats, longitudinal front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive. CHASSIS SUSPENSION Rear: double wishbones with forged aluminum hub-carriers, supplementary strut for toe-in control; standard steel dampers with single setting; optional Skyhook system- aluminum gas dampers with continuously variable damping and acceleration sensors on each wheel; coaxial coil springs. WHEELS AND TYRES BRAKES TRANSMISSION Electronically actuated Cambiocorsa unit available as an option, controlled by electohydraulic paddles controls positioned behind the steering wheel. There is no clutch pedal. Normal, Sport, Low Grip and Auto functions controlled with buttons on the central tunnel. Gear ratios: 1st 3.286, 2nd 2.158, 3rd 1.609, 4th 1.269, 5th 1.034, 6th 0.848, Reverse 2.733. Asymmetrical self-locking differential (25% in traction, 45% in release) incorporated in the gearbox with hypoid bevel gear pair, final drive 3.73 (11/41). Twin plate 215mm diameter (8.46 in) dry clutch wit torsional flexible coupling and hydraulic operation. 20mm diameter (0.86 in) steel propeller shaft supported elastically on four bearings within a rigid torque tube linking the engine and transaxle. Maserati Stability Programme (MSP) stability control with Bosch ASR, MSR and ABS. ENGINE ENGINE *for reasons of homogeneity, engine power is expressed in Kw, in accordance with the International System of Units (SI), and CV (cavalla = horse power). The brake horse power (BHP) can be calculated as follows: 1 kW = 1.34 bhp. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS * European Market Version PERFORMANCE
CHASSIS SUSPENSION Rear: double wishbones with forged aluminum hub carriers, supplementary strut for toe-in control; standard steel dampers with single setting, optional Skyhook system - aluminum gas damper with continuously variable damping and acceleration sensors on each wheel, coaxial coil springs. WHEELS AND TYRES BRAKES TRANSMISSION Electronically actuated Cambiocorsa unit available as an option, controlled by electohydraulic paddles controls positioned behind the steering wheel. There is no clutch pedal. Normal, Sport, Low Grip and Auto functions controlled with buttons on the central tunnel. Gear ratios: 1st 3.286, 2nd 2.158, 3rd 1.609, 4th 1.269, 5th 1.034, 6th 0.848, Reverse 2.733. Asymmetrical self-locking differential (25% in traction, 45% in release) incorporated in the gearbox with hypoid bevel gear pair, final drive 3.73 (11/41). Twin plate 215mm diameter (8.46 in) dry clutch wit torsional flexible coupling and hydraulic operation. 20mm diameter (0.86 in) steel propeller shaft supported elastically on four bearings within a rigid torque tube linking the engine and transaxle. Maserati Stability Programme (MSP) stability control with Bosch ASR, MSR and ABS. ENGINE ENGINE *for reasons of homogeneity, engine power is expressed in Kw, in accordance with the International System of Units (SI), and CV (cavalla = horse power). The brake horse power (BHP) can be calculated as follows: 1 kW = 1.34 bhp.
* European Market Version PERFORMANCE
© italiancar.com.au 29/09/05
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